Hi Resolution download - question on authencity of the files


Hello all,
I have never downloaded a hi-rez album till date.
I recently heard samples of Norah Jones Day Breaks album and was thinking of purchasing the hi-rez album via acousticsounds.com or hdtracks.com or prostudiomasters.com. Question is - are these REAL hi-rez files or are these just up-sampled CD version? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am currently listening to "Celtic Woman - A New Journey" and the recording on this CD is superb. I wondered how much the "quality" of such a nicely recorded album can be improved. Hence the question. I am not sure if the FLAC 96kHz/24bit version is a real one that I would be able to distinguish from a CD 16/44 version.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
128x128milpai

Showing 4 responses by milpai

Thank You for the thoughts folks. I am not yet ready for Tidal. For now, it looks like the CD is the best option for me.
I checked BlueNote site and Norah Jones site. Nothing about downloads is mentioned there.
skoczylas,
Can you please elaborate on "compare unfavorably"? Are the downloads harsh or cold sounding? Your system seems pretty good to be able to resolve thee files.

sevs,
You use an older Wadia which are considered the best CD playback, by some folks. So I have no doubt you like CDs. Maybe you should get a $$$$ DAC to beat it :-)
Got the CD today. Pretty nice music. I like Norah Jones songs.
Oh and the recording is also nice...slightly dark sounding. Highly recommended.
I am intrigued by the Kitsune and Bryston BDA-3 DACs.